Oral & Maxillofacial Associates in Oklahoma City: Surgical Extraction and Implant Planning

Oral & Maxillofacial Associates is a surgical dental practice in Oklahoma City specializing in tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and corrective jaw surgery. The practice operates at specialist scale, requiring referral from a general dentist for most patients and handling the procedures general dentists cannot perform in-office.

What the practice handles

The core scope includes simple and surgical extractions (including impacted wisdom teeth), dental implant consultation and placement, bone grafting to support implants, and orthognathic (jaw) surgery for bite correction. Many patients arrive as referrals from their general dentist when a tooth cannot be extracted safely in a routine dental chair or when implant placement requires surgical expertise. The practice also manages pre-extraction implant planning, meaning the surgeon coordinates timing and approach if you need both procedures.

Sedation options and what to expect during extraction

Oral & Maxillofacial Associates offers local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia for surgical cases. Patients choosing IV sedation or general anesthesia should arrange a driver; they cannot operate a vehicle the same day. For wisdom tooth extractions, IV sedation is common and allows the patient to remain responsive but relaxed while the surgeon works. The appointment typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes depending on tooth position and complexity. Recovery involves swelling that peaks around day two or three, with most patients managing discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief and ice application.

Implant placement and the two-stage timeline

Dental implants placed at this practice follow a two-stage process. The first appointment involves placing the titanium implant fixture into the jaw bone under sedation. After a healing period of three to six months (longer in the lower jaw), the implant integrates with bone, and a second appointment attaches the crown or prosthetic tooth. Implant consultation is separate and includes imaging to assess bone depth and assess whether bone grafting is needed before implant placement. Implant placement cost is often separate from crown cost, and that distinction matters when budgeting; confirm with your referring dentist whether the surgeon's fee or the restorative dentist's fee applies to each stage.

How referral and insurance coverage work

Most insurance plans cover surgical extractions under major dental benefits, typically at 50% after a deductible. Impacted wisdom tooth removal is often covered more readily than routine extractions. Implants and bone grafting are frequently excluded or limited by plan design; verify your coverage before consultation. To schedule, your general dentist submits a referral, though many practices allow direct scheduling if you call with a referral number. If you do not have a dentist, some oral surgery offices accept direct patient calls, though referring dentists streamline imaging and treatment planning.

Comparison to other Oklahoma City oral surgeons

Oklahoma City has multiple oral surgery practices. Oral & Maxillofacial Associates competes with independent surgeons and practices affiliated with dental groups or hospitals. Referral-based practices (requiring a dentist's referral) are common and are often integrated with insurance verification. Some patients choose hospital-based oral surgery for complex cases or when general anesthesia in an operating-room setting is preferred; OU College of Dentistry's clinic and Integris and Baptist hospital networks have surgical capacity, though hospital-based extraction is typically reserved for patients with medical complexity or severe anxiety. Choose a private practice like Oral & Maxillofacial Associates if you want faster scheduling and are comfortable with office-based IV sedation; choose hospital-based care if you need general anesthesia or have conditions requiring on-site medical support.

Who should schedule here and who should not

Ideal candidates are patients with a general dentist who has referred them, those needing wisdom tooth extraction or implant placement, and people who can arrange transportation home after sedation. Patients without dental insurance who are budget-conscious should get an upfront estimate; wisdom tooth extraction ranges widely depending on impaction level, and implant placement cost is substantial and separate from crown placement. Patients with severe medical conditions or those requiring general anesthesia only should confirm this practice's anesthesia capabilities before booking. People avoiding oral surgery altogether should consult their general dentist about whether extraction is truly necessary or whether root canal treatment might preserve the tooth.

First visit and what to bring

Bring your referral paperwork, insurance card, and a list of current medications. The first visit includes clinical exam, review of imaging your referring dentist may have provided, and discussion of sedation preference. The surgeon will explain the procedure, healing timeline, and cost. Insurance verification typically happens before or during this visit. Arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork. Do not eat for six to eight hours before a surgery appointment if you have chosen IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Hours, location, and parking

Verify current hours and location by calling directly, as surgical practices often adjust scheduling seasonally or by surgeon availability. Most oral surgery offices in Oklahoma City offer extended hours or same-week emergency appointments for acute pain. On-site parking is standard; confirm accessibility if mobility is a concern.

Oral & Maxillofacial Associates serves Oklahoma City patients requiring surgical tooth management and implant expertise that general dentists do not provide. Clear understanding of referral, sedation options, and the implant timeline prevents confusion and helps you plan recovery and budget.